Vice President Bawumia witnesses Change of Guard at the Jubilee House

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Monday reviewed the 31st ceremonial change of guard at the Jubilee House, the seat of government, in a colourful military display.

It was the second time Vice President Bawumia performed the role as a Reviewing Officer, since it was normally reviewed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The ceremonial parade is an old tradition inherited from the British and has remained the foundation of discipline in all armies.

The Change of Guard involves new troops exchanging duty with the old guards.

The ceremony, which is performed on a quarterly basis, is similar to what happens at the Buckingham Palace in England.

The event is aimed at ensuring alertness and readiness by the military at all times and to assess the strength of the soldiers on duty to provide maximum security at the duty point.

The Ghana Armed Forces took over guard duties from the Airforce for the next three months.

The new guards performed some drills to the delight of the audience.

The ceremony was witnessed by some high profile government officials including the Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Osei Frema Opare, the Minister of the Defense, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, Interior Minister, Mr Ambrose Dery and Service Chiefs.

Students from some schools including St. Albans International, Graceland International, Catholic Special Vocational, Labone Senior High, St. Xavier Senior High Schools and First Star Academy also witnessed the ceremony.

The old Guard Commander, Staff Sergeant Asamoah Frank handed over duties to the New Guard Commander Staff Sergeant Veronica Seshie.